"The first truth is that the liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself. That, in its essence, is fascism — ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. ”
— Franklin D. Roosevelt

Thursday, May 06, 2010

From AARPTN

Volunteer Tennessee, working with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), has activated the Tennessee Emergency Donations Hotline to accept contributions and support state flood victims. The toll free number is (866) 586-4483, and the hotline is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT daily.

Volunteers from local charitable and volunteer organizations, including AmeriCorps programs and Hands On Nashville, aree staffing the hotline and assisting callers with donations through a Web site that hosts 48 organizations active in responding to disaster relief actions.

The Tennessee Emergency Donations Hotline was established in 2006 following deadly tornadoes that hit 15 counties and killed 35 people. The call center’s goal is to help manage the volume of calls received by the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Nashville during natural disasters and other emergencies.

At this time, the primary need is for cash donations; however, goods or services will also be accepted. Water and used clothing are NOT needed at this time. All donations will go to assist flood victims in Tennessee.

Folks wanting to give also can easily contribute $10 for flood victims by texting "redcross" to 90999. Donations also can be made online at www.nashvilleredcross.orgor by calling (615) 250-4300.

Additionally, if you want to physically help, sign up to volunteer in Middle Tennessee at Hands On Nashville,www.hon.org and in West Tennessee at Volunteer Mid-South at www.volunteermemphis.org.